Tag: hispanic outreach

Summer enrichment camp makes lasting impacts

Posted on by Bob Reddy

A trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando might not seem like a big occasion for most Floridians, but for the children in the Catholic Charities Positive Youth Development Program, a recent trip was a chance to create lasting memories, enjoy new experiences, and simply be kids.

The Disney trip was the capstone to an exciting summer of learning and adventure for more than two dozen elementary and middle school students from low-income families who are struggling academically.

The Catholic Charities program works to empower the students through an afterschool tutoring program, and summer enrichment camp. The program’s success comes from recognizing that an essential foundation of self-sufficiency is achieving academic success. The Positive Youth Development program provides the foundation to meet this fundamental life goal.

Based out of the Juan Diego Center of Catholic Charities, which sits on the campus of St. Leo the Great Parish, the program provides academic tutoring with social skills development, community resources education, and case management.

The summer camp is a balance of academics and fun. In addition to going to Disney, the group embarked on an unforgettable journey to the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum on the Big Cypress Reservation in Hendry County. Owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the museum’s name, Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki, means “a place to learn, a place to remember.” Our students did just that as they explored the rich history, culture, and traditions of the Seminole Tribe while gaining a deeper appreciation for Florida’s heritage. From interactive exhibits to experiencing the beauty of the surrounding natural environment, the day was filled with discovery, learning, and connection. Everyone was grateful for the unique opportunities which broadened the horizons of the campers and helped them better understand the diverse cultures that make our communities so special.

Earlier in the summer, the children had a visit from Konstantin Soukhovetski, director of education & community engagement for the Grand Piano Series. The students learned about how music has the power to inspire, educate, and connect us. Through this special educational outreach experience, our students had the opportunity to engage with world-class musicians and discover the transformative power of the arts.

Representatives from Adams Animal Encounters visited the campers offering the children an amazing opportunity to learn about reptiles, invasive species, and the importance of protecting Florida’s wildlife.

The summer was not all about receiving support from others, it was also about sharing their time, talents, and compassion with the community. They had a service day at another Catholic Charities locations, Guadalupe Social Services in Immokalee, helping serve food and hand out groceries. Their willingness to serve reminds them that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

 

Another highlight of the summer was when the campers were able to connect, via remote video, with Bonita Springs native Manuel Ortiz, who currently serves as a company commander in the XVIII Airborne Corps of the U.S. Army, leading more than 70 soldiers in readiness, training, resource management, and mission execution.

Ortiz shared his educational journey, career path, and how serving in the Armed Forces transformed his life. His story inspired students to think about leadership, perseverance, and the many possibilities available to them as they plan for their futures.

 

The Disney trip and many of the other activities the campers participated in were thanks to the direct support of the parishioners at St. Leo the Great. For the Disney trip, in addition to tickets and food, each child was given extra Disney dollars so that they could purchase gifts for themselves or their family. St. Leo the Great staff and parishioners call this annual outpouring of support a joint effort of love and outreach to underprivileged children in the community.

New bishop continues diocesan tour

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bob Reddy – Florida Catholic

Bishop Emilio Biosca Agüero, O.F.M. Cap., continues his travels as he strives to visit each parish in Diocese of Venice by the end of August.

The visits between July 17 and 30, 2026, included the following parishes: Christ the King, Sarasota; Sacred Heart, Punta Gorda; St. Andrew, Cape Coral; St. Vincent de Paul, Resurrection of Our Lord, and Jesus the Worker, Fort Myers; St. Elizabeth Seton, Naples; San Marco, Marco Island; Ave Maria, Ave Maria; and Our Lady of Guadalupe, Immokalee.

Whether the visit includes hundreds of parishioners gathering for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, or smaller chats with the staff, Bishop Emilio is learning much about the Diocese of Venice, its parishes and its people.

The timing of the visits has some urgency as Bishop Emilio will travel to Rome to visit the Vatican for a gathering of new bishops in September. A second more formal pastoral visit to parishes will follow next year.

Bishop Emilio celebrated Mass at Sacred Heart in Punta Gorda on July 25, the feast of St. James the Apostle, and said he was amazed to see a half-full church on an early Saturday morning. Including sharing some of his personal history, Bishop Emilio said he had a special connection to the parish as he is coming from the Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Washington, D.C. He encouraged the parishioners to learn and grown in their devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

As part of the feast celebration for St. James, Bishop Emilio blessed shells, the symbol of the saint, which were later distributed to each family following Mass. A breakfast in the parish hall included an informal question and answer session.

At Jesus the Worker Parish in Fort Myers on July 28, Bishop Emilio prayed the Liturgy of the Hours with the parish staff, which included Franciscan Sisters of the Mary Immaculate. A reception and dinner followed in the parish hall and included leadership in the various ministries from the parish and San Jose Mission, which serves the Hispanic community in south Fort Myers.

During the parish visits, Bishop Emilio is taking time to also get to know the individual priests better, often spending the night in the rectory. He is also learning how the parishes work, as well as what each needs from him, and the diocese, in the coming months so that each he can help them to succeed in their mission in to spreading the Good News of the Lord in southwest Florida!

Detailed explanation of Bishop Emilio’s episcopal motto – Full Spanish translation below

Posted on by Bob Reddy

FULL SPANISH TRANSLATION BELOW

 

Ite ad Ioseph

Latin Vulgate of Genesis 41:55

“Ite ad Ioseph; et quidquid ipse vobis dixerit, facite.” (Go to Joseph; and whatever he says to you, do.)

The motto “Go to Joseph” comes directly from the Book of Genesis, specifically Genesis 41:55. During the famine in Egypt, when the people cried to Pharaoh for food, he answered: “Go to Joseph; what he says to you, do.”

This refers to Joseph, whom Pharaoh had appointed to oversee the storage and distribution of grain.

I. Spiritual interpretations, Fathers of the Church

Across Christian tradition, this moment has been read not just historically, but symbolically, especially as a foreshadowing of Christ and, later, of St. Joseph.

Joseph as a type of Christ

St. Augustine of Hippo

“Joseph, sold by his brethren, was a type of Christ… humbled, then exalted, and made the dispenser of grain to the nations.” “City of God,” Book XVI, Ch. 39

St. Augustine explicitly connects Joseph’s humiliation and later role as provider to Christ, who feeds the nations spiritually. Joseph is a figure pointing to Christ. Just as people had to go to Joseph to receive bread in time of famine, humanity must go to Christ for the “bread of life.”

Meaning: Spiritual hunger (sin, separation from God) is satisfied only through Christ.

The famine as spiritual hunger

St. John Chrysostom

“Do you see how God turns all things to good?… He made him lord of Egypt, so that he might relieve the famine, not of Egypt alone but of all the world.” “Homilies” on Genesis, 63.

St. John Chrysostom speaks literally of famine, and his broader homiletic method applies it morally. God provides through Joseph what humanity lacks, prefiguring spiritual nourishment. He interpreted the famine as a symbol of the human soul deprived of truth and grace.

Meaning: Without God, the soul experiences a kind of famine; turning to God’s chosen servant leads to restoration.

Obedience: “Do whatever he tells you”

St. Gregory the Great

“We must consider Joseph… who, when he had received power, used it not for pride but for service… that those who were subject to him might live.” Moralia in Job, Book I, Ch. 35

St. Gregory emphasizes that life comes through rightly ordered obedience to God’s appointed servant, echoing Pharaoh’s command. The Pharaoh’s instruction, do whatever he tells you, highlights obedience.

Meaning: Divine grace is received not just by seeking, but by obeying God’s will as communicated through His servants.

II. St. Joseph as a model of providence and stewardship

St. Ambrose

“Joseph gathered the grain not for himself but for the people… He foresaw the future and prepared remedies for the famine.” On Joseph (De Joseph), Ch. 8

St. Ambrose explicitly reads Joseph as a model of foresight, that is, spiritually making preparation in virtue and grace in times of need.

Meaning: The spiritual life requires foresight, storing up grace, virtue, and faith before times of trial.

“Go to Joseph” applied to St. Joseph

St. Bernardine of Siena

“As Pharaoh said, ‘Go to Joseph,’ so now the Lord seems to say to us: go to Joseph… for he is the dispenser of heavenly treasures.” Sermons of St. Bernardine of Siena, On St. Joseph

Meaning: Just as Egypt went to Joseph for material bread, Christians are encouraged to turn to St. Joseph for intercession and help in spiritual and temporal needs.

Scholastic Theological sources

St. Thomas Aquinas

St. Thomas does not comment extensively on Genesis 41:55 itself, but he explicitly treats Joseph as a TYPE OF CHRIST: “Joseph… was sold by his brethren and afterwards became ruler over Egypt… in this he prefigured Christ, who was sold and afterwards became Lord of all.” – “Summa Theologiae,” III, q. 59, a. 6 (ad 3)

Spiritual Meaning: St. Thomas continues the patristic line; Joseph distributes temporal bread; Christ distributes eternal life. The “Go to Joseph” command thus foreshadows “Go to Christ.”

St. Bernard of Clairvaux

St. Bernard does not give a line-by-line Genesis commentary, but in his Marian theology he parallels obedience formulas: “Whatever He shall say to you, do.” “Sermons on the Song of Songs,” Sermon 2. St. Bernard links this Johannine phrase (John 2:5) to the broader biblical pattern of obedience, including Pharaoh’s command in Genesis.

Spiritual Meaning: St. Bernard sees a recurring divine pedagogy: salvation comes through obedient listening to God mediated through chosen persons.

St. Bonaventure

St. Bonaventure explicitly reads Joseph mystically: “Joseph is the provider of grain, the savior of the people in famine… a figure of Christ who refreshes the hungry soul.” “Collations on the Six Days,” Collatio XV

Spiritual Meaning: The famine becomes the soul’s longing; Joseph (type of Christ) feeds with divine wisdom.

St. Albert the Great

“In Joseph is signified Christ… who opens the storehouses of grace to those who come to Him.” “Commentary on Genesis” (on Gen 41)

Spiritual Meaning: The “storehouses” of Egypt become a symbol of sacramental grace entrusted to Christ.

St. Bernardino of Siena

“To St. Joseph is given, as it were, the key of the treasures of the Kingdom… Therefore, it is said: ‘Go to Joseph.” “Sermones de Sanctis,” Sermon 49

Spiritual Meaning: From Joseph of Egypt to St. Joseph as heavenly patron and intercessor.

III. Official Church & Liturgical Tradition

Papal teaching: Pope Pius IX

St. Joseph is declared Patron of the Universal Church (1870). The faithful are encouraged to have recourse to St. Joseph in all needs. While not quoting the phrase explicitly in the decree Quemadmodum Deus, the entire devotion is built on the “Go to Joseph” principle already widespread.

Pope Leo XIII – explicit usage

“Thus, in Joseph… heads of families have a model… Let all, then, have recourse to Joseph.” “Quamquam Pluries” (1889) Leo XIII universalizes Ite ad Ioseph as a directive for the whole Church.

Litany of St. Joseph (approved 1909)

From the official litany: “Joseph most prudent… Joseph most strong… Terror of demons…” The repeated invocation structurally embodies “Go to Joseph” as prayer.

Roman Missal / Feast of St. Joseph (March 19)

In the liturgy of Feast of Saint Joseph: Joseph is presented as guardian, provider, and faithful servant. The readings often connect to divine stewardship and obedience. The liturgy places St. Joseph on the salvific pattern seen in Genesis: entrusted with care for God’s people.

Modern papal teaching: Pope John Paul II

“After Mary, Joseph is the one most closely associated with the mystery of salvation.” “Redemptoris Custos,” §1 This reinforces the tradition: going to Joseph means approaching one uniquely entrusted with Christ.

IV. Capuchin Franciscan Tradition

Saint Joseph occupies a privileged place in the spirituality of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin because his life perfectly reflects the Franciscan ideals of humility, poverty, obedience, and loving service. The Capuchins, as a reform branch of the Franciscan family inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, seek to live the Gospel in simplicity and trust in divine providence. St. Joseph embodies these virtues in a hidden yet profound way. He worked with his hands, protected the Holy Family, and faithfully accepted God’s will without seeking recognition or power.

This devotion was deepened theologically by the great Capuchin theologian and Doctor of the Church, Saint Lawrence of Brindisi. In his preaching and theological writings, Lawrence emphasized what later scholars call the “Incarnational Circle.” This idea teaches that God’s plan centers entirely on the Incarnation of Christ: everything comes from God through Christ, and all creation is called back to God through Christ. Within this circle, Mary and Joseph hold unique places because they were intimately united to the mystery of the Word made flesh. Joseph was not merely a guardian in a practical sense; he was providentially chosen to participate personally in the mystery of salvation by protecting and nurturing the Incarnate Son of God.

This theology harmonizes deeply with Franciscan anthropology and theology, especially the Franciscan emphasis on the goodness and dignity of creation. Franciscan thinkers such as John Duns Scotus taught that the Incarnation was not simply a response to sin but the central purpose of creation itself. Humanity is therefore understood relationally and lovingly, created for communion with God in Christ. St. Joseph’s humble, relational, and self-giving life becomes an ideal Franciscan image of redeemed humanity: a man who lives entirely for Christ, in simplicity, love, and faithful service.

Many Capuchin saints and blesseds were known for a strong devotion to Saint Joseph. Some especially notable examples include:

  • Saint Joseph of Leonessa — naturally had a profound devotion to his patron saint, St. Joseph, and promoted confidence in him through preaching and penance.
  • Saint Pio of Pietrelcina — frequently invoked St. Joseph, encouraged devotion to him, and spoke of his protection for families and workers.
  • Blessed Solanus Casey — had a tender devotion to St. Joseph and often recommended trust in his intercession.
  • Saint Conrad of Parzham — practiced a quiet, deeply Josephite spirituality centered on humility and service.
  • Saint Felix of Cantalice — promoted devotion to the Holy Family, especially Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
  • Saint Lawrence of Brindisi — preached often on the Incarnation and honored St. Joseph in his theological writings.
  • Saint Leopold Mandić — entrusted his ministry and penitents to St. Joseph’s care.
  • Saint Ignatius of Laconi — was known for simple but intense devotion to St. Joseph and the Holy Family.
  • Blessed Leopold of Alpandeire — frequently prayed to St. Joseph and promoted confidence in his fatherly help.
  • Saint Francis Mary of Camporosso — had a strong devotion to St. Joseph alongside devotion to Mary and the Eucharist.

The Capuchin tradition as a whole developed a strong spirituality of the Holy Family, poverty, work, humility, and hidden service virtues closely associated with Saint Joseph.

St. Lawrence of Brindisi

The phrase from Genesis 41:55, “Ite ad Ioseph” (“Go to Joseph”), is used in a spiritual and devotional sense in the writings of St. Lawrence of Brindisi to refer to St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus. St. Lawrence, a Capuchin Franciscan and Doctor of the Church, used this phrase to promote devotion to St. Joseph, drawing a parallel

between the Old Testament Joseph who provided grain and the New Testament Joseph who guarded Jesus, the “Living Bread.”

The Source: St. Lawrence of Brindisi included these reflections in his homilies/sermons on St. Joseph.

The Quote (Paraphrased/Summary of Thought): St. Lawrence noted that Pharaoh exalted the Old Testament Joseph to save the kingdom from famine. He then parallelled this, saying in effect that for the salvation of the world, God elevated St. Joseph, who protected Christ—the true bread of life.

Significance: St. Lawrence of Brindisi argued that St. Joseph holds a unique, superior place in the heavenly hierarchy—following Jesus and Mary—due to his role as foster father. Just as the Egyptians were told to go to Joseph to receive bread, St. Lawrence encourages Christians to “Go to Joseph” to receive grace, protection, and intercession, as he is the guardian of the Church (the Mystical Body of Christ). It implies a call to imitate St. Joseph’s humility, silence, obedience, and trust in God’s providence. St. Lawrence emphasized that Joseph provides spiritual sustenance, acting as a “spiritual father” who leads souls closer to Jesus and Mary.

Note: The 15-volume set of St. Lawrence’s writings, specifically his four sermons on St. Joseph, contain these detailed typological interpretations where he links the Old Testament patriarch to the husband of Mary.

 

Ite ad Ioseph

Vulgata latina de Génesis 41:55

«Ite ad Ioseph; et quidquid ipse vobis dixerit, facite.»

(Id a José; y haced todo lo que él os diga.)

≪Cuando todo Egipto comenzo a sufrir el hambre, el pueblo clamo al faraon pidiendo alimento. Entonces el Faraon dijo a todos los egipcios: “Id a Jose y haced lo que el os diga”≫.

El lema ≪Id a Jose≫ proviene directamente del Libro del Genesis, concretamente de Genesis 41:55. Durante la hambruna en Egipto, cuando el pueblo clamo al Faraon pidiendo comida, el respondio: ≪Id a Jose; haced lo que el os diga≫. Esto se refiere a Jose, a quien el faraon habia nombrado para supervisar el almacenamiento y la distribucion del grano.

I. Interpretaciones espirituales, Padres de la Iglesia

A lo largo de la tradicion cristiana, este momento se ha interpretado no solo historicamente, sino tambien simbolicamente, especialmente como un presagio de Cristo y, mas tarde, de San Jose.

José como tipo de Cristo

San Agustín de Hipona

≪Jose, vendido por sus hermanos, era un tipo de Cristo… humillado, luego exaltado, y convertido en el dispensador de grano a las naciones≫. La Ciudad de Dios, Libro XVI, cap. 39

San Agustin relaciona explicitamente la humillacion de Jose y su posterior papel como proveedor con Cristo, quien alimenta espiritualmente a las naciones. Jose es una figura que apunta a Cristo. Asi como la gente tenia que acudir a Jose para recibir pan en tiempos de hambruna, la humanidad debe acudir a Cristo para obtener el ≪pan de vida≫.

Significado: El hambre espiritual (el pecado, la separacion de Dios) solo se sacia a traves de Cristo.

El hambre como hambre espiritual

San Juan Crisóstomo

≪.Veis como Dios convierte todas las cosas en bien?… Lo hizo senor de Egipto, para que pudiera aliviar el hambre, no solo de Egipto, sino de todo el mundo≫. Homilias sobre el Genesis, 63.

San Juan Crisostomo habla literalmente de la hambruna, y su metodo homiletico mas amplio la aplica moralmente. Dios provee a traves de Jose lo que le falta a la humanidad, prefigurando el alimento espiritual. Interpreto la hambruna como un simbolo del alma humana privada de la verdad y la gracia.

Significado: Sin Dios, el alma experimenta una especie de hambruna; volverse hacia el siervo elegido de Dios conduce a la restauracion.

Obediencia: «Haced todo lo que él os diga»

San Gregorio Magno

≪Debemos considerar a Jose… quien, cuando recibio poder, lo utilizo no para el orgullo sino para el servicio… para que vivieran aquellos que estaban sometidos a el≫. Moralia in Job, Libro I, cap. 35

San Gregorio subraya que la vida proviene de la obediencia debidamente ordenada al siervo designado por Dios, haciendose eco de la orden del faraon. La instruccion del faraon, ≪haced lo que el os diga≫, pone de relieve la obediencia.

Significado: La gracia divina no se recibe solo buscandola, sino obedeciendo la voluntad de Dios tal y como se comunica a traves de sus siervos.

 

  1. San José como modelo de providencia y administración

San Ambrosio

≪Jose recogio el grano no para si mismo, sino para el pueblo… Previo el futuro y preparo remedios para la hambruna≫. Sobre Jose (De Joseph), cap. 8

 

San Ambrosio interpreta a Jose como un modelo de prevision, es decir, de preparacion espiritual.

 

Significado: La vida espiritual requiere prevision, acumulando gracia, virtud y fe antes de tiempos de prueba.

 

  1. «Id a José», aplicado a San José

San Bernardino de Siena

≪Asi como el faraon dijo: “Id a Jose”, asi ahora el Senor parece decirnos: id a Jose… pues el es el dispensador de los tesoros celestiales≫. Sermones de San Bernardino de Siena, Sobre San Jose Significado: Al igual que Egipto acudio a Jose en busca de pan material, se anima a los cristianos a recurrir a San Jose en busca de intercesion y ayuda en sus necesidades espirituales y temporales.

 

  1. Fuentes teológicas escolásticas
  2. Santo Tomás de Aquino

Santo Tomas no comenta extensamente Genesis 41, 55 en si, pero trata explicitamente a Jose como un TIPO DE CRISTO: ≪Jose… fue vendido por sus hermanos y despues se convirtio en gobernante de Egipto… en esto prefiguro a Cristo, que fue vendido y despues se convirtio en Senor de todo≫. – Summa Theologiae, III, q. 59, a. 6 (ad 3)

 

Significado espiritual: Santo Tomas continua la linea patristica; Jose distribuye el pan temporal; Cristo distribuye la vida eterna. La orden ≪Id a Jose≫ presagia asi ≪Id a Cristo≫.

 

  1. San Bernardo de Claraval

San Bernardo no ofrece un comentario versiculo por versiculo del Genesis, pero en su teología mariana establece un paralelismo con las formulas de obediencia: ≪Haced todo lo que El os diga≫. Sermones sobre el Cantar de los Cantares, Sermon 2. San Bernardo vincula esta frase joanica (Juan 2, 5) con el patron biblico mas amplio de la obediencia, incluyendo la orden del faraon en el Genesis.

 

Significado espiritual: San Bernardo ve una pedagogia divina recurrente: la salvacion llega a traves de la escucha obediente a Dios mediada por personas elegidas.

 

  1. San Buenaventura

San Buenaventura interpreta a Jose de forma mistica: ≪Jose es el proveedor de trigo, el salvador del pueblo en tiempos de hambruna… una figura de Cristo que sacia el alma hambrienta≫. Colaciones sobre los seis dias, Colacion XV

 

Significado espiritual: La hambruna se convierte en el anhelo del alma; Jose (tipo de Cristo) la alimenta con sabiduria divina.

 

  1. San Alberto Magno

≪En Jose se simboliza a Cristo… que abre los almacenes de la gracia a quienes acuden a El≫. Comentario sobre el Genesis (sobre Genesis 41)

 

Significado espiritual: Los ≪almacenes≫ de Egipto se convierten en un simbolo de la gracia sacramental confiada a Cristo.

 

  1. San Bernardino de Siena

≪A San Jose se le ha dado, por asi decirlo, la llave de los tesoros del Reino… Por eso se dice: “Id a Jose”≫. Sermones de Sanctis, Sermon 49

 

Significado espiritual: De Jose de Egipto a San Jose como patron celestial e intercesor.

 

III. Tradicion oficial de la Iglesia y liturgica

  1. Enseñanza papal: el papa Pío IX

San Jose es declarado Patrono de la Iglesia Universal (1870). Se anima a los fieles a recurrir a San Jose en todas sus necesidades. Aunque no se cita explicitamente la frase en el decreto Quemadmodum Deus, toda la devocion se basa en el principio ≪Acudid a Jose≫, ya muy extendido.

 

  1. Papa León XIII — uso explicito

≪Asi, en Jose… los jefes de familia tienen un modelo… Que todos, pues, recurran a Jose≫. Quamquam Pluries (1889) Leon XIII universaliza Ite ad Ioseph como directriz para toda la Iglesia.

 

  1. Letanía de San José (aprobada en 1909)

De la letania oficial: ≪Jose, el mas prudente… Jose, el mas fuerte… Terror de los demonios…≫ La invocacion repetida plasma estructuralmente el ≪Acude a Jose≫ como oracion.

 

  1. Misal Romano / Fiesta de San José (19 de marzo)

En la liturgia de la fiesta de San Jose: Jose se presenta como guardian, proveedor y siervo fiel. Las lecturas suelen relacionarse con la administracion divina y la obediencia. La liturgia situa a San Jose en el modelo salvifico que se ve en el Genesis: a quien se le ha confiado el cuidado del pueblo de Dios.

 

  1. Enseñanza papal moderna: Papa Juan Pablo II

≪Despues de Maria, Jose es el mas estrechamente asociado al misterio de la salvacion≫. Redemptoris Custos, §1. Esto refuerza la tradicion: acudir a Jose significa acercarse a quien tiene un encargo único respecto a Cristo.

 

  1. Tradicion franciscana capuchina

San Jose ocupa un lugar privilegiado en la espiritualidad de la Orden de los Hermanos Menores Capuchinos porque su vida refleja a la perfeccion los ideales franciscanos de humildad, pobreza, obediencia y servicio amoroso. Los capuchinos, como rama reformista de la familia franciscana inspirada en San Francisco de Asis, buscan vivir el Evangelio con sencillez y confianza en la divina providencia. San Jose encarna estas virtudes de una manera oculta pero profunda. Trabajo con sus manos, protegio a la Sagrada Familia y acepto fielmente la voluntad de Dios sin buscar reconocimiento ni poder.

 

Esta devocion fue profundizada teologicamente por el gran teologo capuchino y Doctor de la Iglesia, San Lorenzo de Brindisi. En su predicacion y en sus escritos teologicos, Lorenzo hizo hincapie en lo que los estudiosos posteriores denominan el ≪Circulo de la Encarnacion≫. Esta idea ensena que el plan de Dios se centra por completo en la Encarnacion de Cristo: todo proviene de Dios a traves de Cristo,

y toda la creacion es llamada a volver a Dios a traves de Cristo. Dentro de este circulo, Maria y Jose ocupan un lugar unico porque estaban intimamente unidos al misterio del Verbo hecho carne. Jose no fue meramente un guardian en un sentido practico; fue providencialmente elegido para participar personalmente en el misterio de la salvacion al proteger y criar al Hijo de Dios encarnado.

 

Esta teologia armoniza profundamente con la antropologia y la teologia franciscanas, especialmente con el enfasis franciscano en la bondad y la dignidad de la creacion. Pensadores franciscanos como Juan Duns Escoto ensenaron que la Encarnacion no era simplemente una respuesta al pecado, sino el proposito central de la creacion misma. La humanidad se entiende, por tanto, de manera relacional y amorosa, creada para la comunion con Dios en Cristo. La vida humilde, relacional y abnegada de San

Jose se convierte en una imagen franciscana ideal de la humanidad redimida: un hombre que vive enteramente para Cristo, en sencillez, amor y servicio fiel.

 

Muchos santos y beatos capuchinos fueron conocidos por su fuerte devocion a San Jose. Algunos ejemplos especialmente notables incluyen:

  • San Jose de Leonessa: sentia una profunda devocion natural por su santo patron, San Jose, y fomentaba la confianza en el a traves de la predicacion y la penitencia.
  • San Pio de Pietrelcina: invocaba con frecuencia a San Jose, animaba a la devocion hacia el y hablaba de su proteccion para las familias y los trabajadores.
  • Beato Solanus Casey: sentia una tierna devocion por San Jose y solia recomendar la confianza en su intercesion.
  • San Conrado de Parzham — practicaba una espiritualidad silenciosa y profundamente josefina, centrada en la humildad y el servicio.
  • San Felix de Cantalice — promovio la devocion a la Sagrada Familia, especialmente a Jesus, Maria y Jose.
  • San Lorenzo de Brindisi — predicaba a menudo sobre la Encarnacion y honraba a San Jose en sus escritos teologicos.
  • San Leopoldo Mandić: confio su ministerio y a sus penitentes al cuidado de San Jose.
  • San Ignacio de Laconi: era conocido por su sencilla pero intensa devocion a San Jose y a la Sagrada Familia.
  • Beato Leopoldo de Alpandeire: rezaba con frecuencia a San Jose y promovia la confianza en su ayuda paternal.
  • San Francisco Maria de Camporosso — tenia una gran devocion por San Jose, junto con la devoción a Maria y a la Eucaristia.

 

La tradicion capuchina en su conjunto desarrollo una fuerte espiritualidad de la Sagrada Familia, la pobreza, el trabajo, la humildad y las virtudes del servicio oculto, estrechamente asociadas a San Jose.

 

  1. San Lorenzo de Brindisi

La frase de Genesis 41,55, ≪Ite ad Ioseph≫ (≪Id a Jose≫), se utiliza en un sentido espiritual y devocional en los escritos de San Lorenzo de Brindisi para referirse a San Jose, el padre adoptivo de Jesus. San Lorenzo, franciscano capuchino y Doctor de la Iglesia, utilizo esta frase para promover la devocion a San Jose, estableciendo un paralelismo entre el Jose del Antiguo Testamento, que proporciono el grano, y el Jose del Nuevo Testamento, que protegio a Jesus, el ≪Pan de Vida≫.

 

La fuente: San Lorenzo de Brindisi incluyo estas reflexiones en sus homilias y sermones sobre San Jose.

 

La cita (parafraseada/resumen del pensamiento): San Lorenzo senalo que el faraon exalto al Jose del Antiguo Testamento para salvar al reino de la hambruna. A continuacion, establecio un paralelismo con esto, diciendo en efecto que, para la salvacion del mundo, Dios elevo a San Jose, quien protegio a Cristo, el verdadero pan de vida.

 

Significado: San Lorenzo de Brindisi sostenia que San Jose ocupa un lugar unico y privilegiado en la jerarquia celestial —solo por detras de Jesus y Maria— debido a su papel como padre adoptivo. Al igual que a los egipcios se les dijo que acudieran a Jose para recibir pan, San Lorenzo anima a los cristianos a ≪acudir a Jose≫ para recibir gracia, proteccion e intercesion, ya que el es el guardian de la Iglesia (el Cuerpo Mistico de Cristo). Esto implica una llamada a imitar la humildad, el silencio, la obediencia y la confianza en la providencia de Dios de San Jose. San Lorenzo enfatizo que Jose proporciona sustento espiritual, actuando como un ≪padre espiritual≫ que acerca las almas a Jesus y Maria.

 

Nota: La coleccion de 15 volumenes de los escritos de San Lorenzo, concretamente sus cuatro sermones sobre San Jose, contienen estas detalladas interpretaciones tipologicas en las que vincula al patriarca del Antiguo Testamento con el esposo de Maria.

Pastoral reflections on two decades as faithful Shepherd

Posted on by Bob Reddy

As Bishop Frank J. Dewane nears retirement, he took time to reflect, with some prompting and encouraging, on the pastoral impact he has had on the Diocese in his years of service to the faithful of Southwest Florida. Bishop said that his partner who guided him in these endeavors was always the Holy Spirit.

Catholic Charities

When looking back at the scope of his service of nearly 20 years as Shepherd of the Diocese of Venice, Bishop Dewane has been steadfastly focused upon addressing the various needs of the faithful and this was seen in ways great and small.

For example, Catholic Charities offices throughout the Diocese have been upgraded and modernized to ensure that the needs of the people to be served in each region of the Diocese are being met in the best way possible. This includes the purchasing of several buildings to house offices and services, as well as upgrading existing equipment and programs. All food pantries were converted from drive-thru to choice pantries. This served a double benefit of offering those in need a dignified option to get the food they would actually eat while at the same time reducing waste of unwanted food.

Through Catholic Charities and other partnerships, Bishop Dewane has vastly expanded the affordable housing in the region by almost 500 units. The housing is now strategically located in economically stressed neighborhoods in Sarasota, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Port Charlotte, Immokalee, and Arcadia. A large portion has been focused on providing housing for families, for low-income elderly, as well as for farm workers.

“Housing is a cross-cutting issue, as I truly believe that if families don’t have a home or residence of some kind, it is going to be harder for the family to develop in all ways,” Bishop Dewane said. “If they don’t have a place to gather, to eat, to pray, or to do anything, the family is lost.”

A more subtle action by Bishop Dewane was continuing funding for the Anti-Human Trafficking Team when grants were lost. This program has been key in providing compassion, stability, and immediate support for hundreds following their rescue.

“As Bishop there are times when you do what you have to do, and providing that funding was definitely the right thing to do,” Bishop Dewane said. “This issue of human trafficking is one that is unthinkable and inhumane, and simply should not exist.”

Because of his experience with guiding the success of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Venice through growth, two hurricanes and the pandemic, Bishop Dewane was appointed as the Episcopal Liaison for Catholic Charities USA, as well as the moderator for Catholic Charities in the State of Florida.

Evangelization

Through the years, the frequent questions Bishop Dewane asked of himself and of the priests and staff of the Diocese is what was being done to improve evangelization in the Diocese in all the definitions which that word encompasses.

“It is a difficult thing to wrestle to the ground,” Bishop Dewane said. “We needed to focus on how we are promoting the different aspects of the pastoral life of the Church in the Diocese. Here is where my faith companion in reflection, was truly the Holy Spirit.”

The first thing the Bishop did was to begin the popular annual Masses for couples celebrating significant anniversaries which started in one location and quickly expanded to two due to popularity. “I wanted to recognize the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony in a society that doesn’t put such an emphasis on marriage. Seeing the living sacrament of marriage lived in a profound way. It truly is my favorite Mass of the year to celebrate apart from the ordinations.”

To help support marriage, Bishop Dewane directed the reorganization of the pre-Cana program and brought in the annual Together in Holiness Conference to help accompany couples as they grow together in holiness as a couple.

Two significant outreaches included the initiation of annual Men’s and Women’s conferences to great success. The events were combined in 2023 when the Diocese hosted a Eucharistic Congress as part of a National Eucharistic Revival initiative.

For the younger people in the Diocese, the Bishop also promoted a Diocesan Youth Rally which started humbly with 50 people in 2008 and grew to 2,000 attending from across the region for the 2026 gathering. “It is inspiring to look out and see the youth alive with Jesus in their hearts.”

Another outreach to youth and young children is the Totus Tuus catechetical summer day camps where missionaries – young adults – visit Parishes to inspire young people to strive for holiness, develop a deep desire for conversion and personally renew their faith with a stronger prayer life. The program has expanded from eight to 20 Parishes.

For young adults, there was the introduction of Theology on Tap, where those in their 20’s and 30’s can gather to explore faith topics in a relaxed social setting.

Attuned to those who may be marginalized, Bishop Dewane has actively promoted and participated in Prison Ministry. “This is something the Church has always advocated. I saw it as part of my call as a Bishop to go into the prisons and jails to celebrate Mass for the incarcerated, those often marginalized by society.” Bishop Dewane has celebrated the Mass and conferred baptisms, the Sacrament of Confirmation and First Holy Communion on untold numbers of the incarcerated. In addition, he has encouraged priests, deacons and lay volunteers to serve this vital and rewarding ministry.

Bishop Dewane has also expanded outreach to the growing Hispanic Catholic community dramatically. Building off the national V Encuentro initiative, need pastoral attention leadership was brought to the Hispanic ministries and in response to their request, a successful Spanish-language faith formation program was developed. Further, the Bishop secured and realized the construction of three large new churches to accommodate the growing numbers of Hispanics in key parts of the Diocese.

Respect Life

Much has changed in the Respect Life outreach in the nearly 20 years Bishop Dewane has led the Diocese of Venice. In his first year, he advocated participation in the 40 Days for Life prayers vigils in front of abortion facilities. This worldwide effort was in its first year when the Diocese joined, placing people on the front lines to combat the evil of abortion, and protect the unborn.

“Abortion is a scourge on society,” the Bishop said. “We all have a role to play in ending abortion. It is by our presence, and in our voices, that the message of life can be spread. It doesn’t end at the sidewalk. It must happen with conversations in our family, in our neighborhood, in our offices, and in the community. We are all called to be the voice for life in the world.”

Bishop Dewane himself stood on many sidewalks through the years in Sarasota, Fort Myers and Naples where the spring and fall 40 Days for Life campaigns are still going strong. He also attended many National Marches for Life in Washington, D.C. each January with hundreds of Diocesan youth.

In 2022, the Dobbs ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and put the decision to allow abortion up to the states. While it was a great victory, the fight continues. The leadership of Bishop Dewane helped defeat Amendment 4, a radical Florida ballot initiative that would have drastically expanded access to abortion. The Diocese embraced the U.S Bishop’s initiative, Walking with Moms in Need, a nationwide program which operates at the Parish level to increase support for pregnant and parenting mothers in need.

Not allowing women who have had an abortion to be forgotten by the Church, the Bishop brought the Project Rachel outreach to the area. This program offers support for women who are struggling with the aftermath of abortion.

In addition, Bishop Dewane has provided silent support to help improve numerous pregnancy resource centers and other community partners to ensure facilities are available so that abortion-minded women have a pro-life option for their unborn child.

This is most visible with Our Mother’s House, a Catholic Charities program, which is a two-year transitional housing program that provides single mothers and their young children with stability, support, and renewed hopes during difficult times. Bishop Dewane helped allow the program to undergo three expansions and upgrades to the facilities as well as what is offered to each mom and her young child to ensure that together they have an opportunity for success.

Growth

In 2007, the Diocese of Venice served approximately 200,000 Catholics in its 10-county area. Today that number reaches more than 260,000, even though the percentage of Catholics in the area has dropped to less than 20% from a high of 30% two decades ago. Part of the increase can be attributed to the rapid growth of the region as many move to Florida each year.

To accommodate this growth, Bishop Dewane has erected six new Parishes, one mission and one Chapel. Two additional Mission churches are currently in the planning stages. In addition, during the last two decades, many Diocesan Parishes have built new churches, parish halls and other facilities to accommodate their demand. For the Parishes where raising funds for such projects is prohibitive, Bishop Dewane has helped finance such projects to ensure the pastoral needs of growing Parishes are met.

The true sign of growth can be seen in the number of people attending Mass year-round versus just during the busy season. Also, a positive sign is that a record 1,077 who entered the Church in 2026 through the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) during the Easter Season. That number doubled over 2025 and reflects a growing outreach and interest in the Catholic Faith as well as many seeking the sacraments they might have missed in the past.

“This was by far the largest number the Diocese has ever seen,” Bishop Dewane said. “The Diocese has been truly blessed and graced by the large numbers of catechumens and candidates. It shows that the Holy Spirit is working among the people of God in the Diocese of Venice.”

Religious Freedom

Having worked and lived in the former communist Soviet Union for five years, Bishop Dewane said he saw the dangers of an oppressed society where freedom was not guaranteed. When in 2012 the U.S. government imposed a federal contraceptive mandate, Bishop Dewane was at the forefront in raising awareness of what has transitioned into an ongoing battle to ensure religious freedom remains a part of the United States. In 2012, Bishop Dewane led a rally of more than 3,000 supporters on the Sarasota bayfront to “Stand Up for Religious Freedom.” A rally in Naples drew about 1,000 a week later. Since that time the Diocese actively promote and participates in the U.S. Bishops annual Religious Freedom week in June.

Vocations

Since 2007, 38 men have been Ordained to the Priesthood, a number Bishop Dewane said is disappointing, but he admitted the reality is that few are seeking a vocation to the priesthood in a society where other options appear more glamourous for multiple reasons. To help combat this issue, the Vocations Office regularly offers Vocations days for sixth-graders at Diocesan Catholic schools to introduce the concept of pursuing a vocation to the priesthood or religious life and the establishment of the “Called By Name” initiative in the Diocese of Venice.

As for the men and women religious, Bishop Dewane has strived to bring in new religious orders to minister to the Hispanic communities in the Diocese where there is tremendous growth and need. Older men’s and women’s religious orders have been forced to consolidate their ranks, with nearly all having left the Diocese. This reality puts tremendous strain on the Diocese as there are not enough priests to cover the 61 Parishes and associated missions. An additional 28 permanent deacons were ordained.

Education

Diocesan Catholic schools were on the brink of ruin in 2007 with shrinking enrollment numbers, a dated curriculum and crushing debt when Bishop Dewane assumed the role as leader of the Diocese.

Through a systematic effort to bring modern technology into the classroom, updates to the curriculum and better management of schools, closures were avoided. A new school, St. Catherine in Sebring, opened in 2008 to serve an underserved part of the Diocese, and Diocesan-wide enrolment stabilized.

STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, art, and math) curriculum was phased into pilot schools and was expanded to the entire Diocese Catholic school network in 2021. This was the same time a new robotics program was implemented. Add to that, Bishop Dewane integrated the Catholic faith and the life of virtue into the robotics curriculum with what he calls, “The Gifts of Christ.” He has fostered a strong Catholic culture that produces faithful leaders of good moral character through the virtues of Truth, Beauty, Goodness, Affability, Fortitude, Humility, and Prudence.

The result has been that enrollment has gone from a low of about 3,000 in 2007 to the current level of more than 6,700. “It took time to build up enrollment, but the results are seen in full classrooms and waitlists at all of our Diocesan Catholic schools,” Bishop Dewane said.

Bishop Dewane retires leaving behind a lasting legacy that reached every part of the Diocese, the effects which will bear fruit for the faith, and the Church, for years to come.

Please join in praying for Bishop Frank J. Dewane as he enters his retirement years!

Bishop Dewane, we will miss you. May God bless you, and may your retirement be both peaceful and joyous.

Leader of the Diocese reflects on leadership

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bishop Frank J. Dewane has been the Shepherd of the Diocese of Venice for nearly 20 years. As his pending retirement soon takes effect, he took time to reflect on his role as Bishop and Shepherd.

Leadership

A review of Bishop Dewane’s 20 years has shown that he was intimately involved in all aspects of running the Diocese. While some criticize this approach, it was not his intention to offend anyone.

“The buck stops with you when there is a decision to be made,” Bishop Dewane said. “But I was tempered by the Holy Spirit in the process. You can only please some of the people some of the time.”

“Our priests are to be complimented. We have healthy Parishes. We can all do more spiritually – always – to build an environment that people want to be part of, to come and worship the Lord.”

When it comes to making decisions, especially when there is no clear consensus among priests, Bishop Dewane said he relied upon prayer, learned consideration and consultation.

When Bishop Dewane took over the leadership of the Diocese in 2007, many Parishes and Catholic schools were burdened by crushing debt. Policy changes regarding construction and accountability for finances at every level were implemented and enabled a drastic turnaround in the Diocese of Venice. This was done with broad consultation.

“I came with a business background, and that certainly allowed me to understand the issues facing the Diocese, the Parishes and the Catholic schools, but it takes time to turn things around. What was done made certain that all entities were sharing in the costs of operating the Diocese. The consultation of lay faithful throughout my years were of great assistance in this regard.”

“That is the reality of the position. It is your responsibility, at the end of the day, a decision must be made. Understand that in doing this, not everyone is going to agree. We only need to look to Sacred Scriptures, not everybody agreed with Jesus. You have to know through your training, formation and prayer to be confident in whatever decision is made.”

Pastoral focus

Bishop Dewane said the mission of the Church is often debated and is often put into neat silos – charitable, theological, pastoral, etc.

“The mission is broad. Often people want to play one factor against the other. That isn’t how Christ did it. He looked to the issue and decided, and I think we are called to follow Christ, who sent the Apostles out. As a Successor to the Apostles, I have to act, despite criticism, that even though a teaching on an issue is seen as hard and cold, there is a reason the Church has held that over the centuries and even millennia.”

This is the reality of being a Bishop who serves in Diocese for a finite period. “As Bishop, sometimes you have to let the word of the Lord sit and allow people to see that the Holy Spirit has a role. The idea that the Bishop is doing just whatever he wants is simply not true.”

His pastoral vision enabled outreach to expand across the Diocese. This has included building affordable housing, expanding the resources for Catholic Charities which reach more of the needy, and expanded Diocesan support for Parishes. In addition, there has been implementation of new evangelization efforts: major conferences, youth rallies, marriage enrichment programs, youth-centered gatherings, and more. This also includes the expanded support of Hispanic Ministries, prison outreach, moms in need, as well as initiatives to promote adoration, praying of the rosary, going to confession and much more.

That leadership was also necessary to guide the Diocese through many crises such as being struck by multiple devastating hurricanes and working through the impacts of a global pandemic. These called for empathy and understanding by all.

“When these happened, it was people’s lives that were disrupted and members of families who died. Human beings. They have to take priority. At times like that you have to be out and about, making decisions that help in the most efficient way possible. And then helping things quickly get back to as close to normal as whenever possible. We did our best in difficult circumstances.”

 Access

In any given week, month or year of his time as Bishop of Venice, Bishop Dewane has made a point to be “out and about´ in the Diocese celebrating Masses, attending events and just being available to the lay faithful.

“Weekends weren’t mine. The faithful have a right to see their Bishop. Sometimes it is an appointment, while other times it is in the Parishes. I will have morning, afternoon and evening events, going from one to the next. It is important and was confirmed to me many times when people remarked to me, ‘I have never seen or met a Bishop before.’ It wasn’t about whether it was convenient for me or not. A lot of times, I barely got out of one event to make it to the next one. That is where the of God are.”

By frequently visiting Parishes and Catholic schools and other parts of the Diocese, Bishop Dewane said it gave a clearer sense of what was truly taking place in the Diocese that he couldn’t get from sitting in his office or from merely asking questions of the Bishop.

“For example, I would see the same altar servers multiple times and give a little encouragement. I’m thankful for that opportunity to have been there. With confirmations scheduled I had the night after night, and woke the next morning and went into the office to deal with the next thing.”

After nearly 10,000 public Masses in 20 years, the Bishop, when time allowed, would stand in the back of the church and everyone could come to speak with him. “Sometimes it was to get feedback that wasn’t always really positive but necessary, but still at other times it was to rejoice that we had a common relative, or they knew somebody I knew from wherever. It was about making a connection.”

Bishop Dewane said he feels blessed to have been able to lead the Diocese of Venice for nearly 20 years.

“When I started, there was a big learning curve because there are some things that you know how to do and others that were challenging. I adapted and worked hard to ensure everything I did was for the pastoral welfare of the entire Diocese.”

Future

Looking ahead, Bishop Dewane has no clear plans for his future aside from stepping back to let Bishop Biosca lead unencumbered.

“I’m just going to wind down a little bit more prayer time, reading time and rest. Certainly, I’ll be here and be able to assist if called upon to respond to Bishop Biosca. But my life will be a little bit different. I won’t do those five events in a day. It won’t be my job.”

The Bishop will also use his time to catch up with people here in the Diocese whom he has befriended, that his schedule didn’t allow and could only say hello to once in a while. “That will be nice.”

While he won’t miss his busy schedule, he said he is going to make himself available to cover Masses for priests for vacations or emergencies.

“I’m not going away. I am just stepping back.”

 

News Briefs for the week of June 19, 2026

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Totus Tuus summer entering fourth week

The Diocese of Venice Totus Tuus summer program continues to inspire young people to grow in faith. The week-long program is visiting different Parishes each week and offering day camp for students entering grades 1 – 6, as well as evening camp for middle school and high school students entering grades 7 – 12. Three missionary teams are leading the campers. In the first two weeks, the program has taken place at nine Parishes, with the most recent at St. Agnes Parish, Naples, San Pedro Parish, North Port, St. Michael Parish, Wauchula, and St. Leo the Great Parish, Bonita Springs. Upcoming host Parishes include the following: St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Cape Coral, and Sacred Heart Parish, Bradenton (June 21-26); St. James Parish, Lake Placid, St. Catherine Parish, Sebring, Our Lady of Grace Parish, Avon Park, and Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, LaBelle (July 5-10); St. Joseph Parish, Bradenton, and Our Lady of Light Parish (Day Session)/ St. John XXIII Parish, Fort Myers (Evening Session) (July 12-17); Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Lakewood Ranch, and St. Jude Parish, Sarasota (July 19-24). Youth are welcome to attend any of the Totus Tuus camps, but registration is requested ahead of time. To register, please contact the hosting Parish directly. Parish contact information can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.org/find-a-parish/. For more information, contact Andres Prias at prias@dioceseovenice.org, or 941-441-1122.

Teen summer camp in Wauchula brings adventure

Teens from St. Michael Parish in Wauchula were offered many fun and exciting adventures during a “Chasing sunsets and memories at summer camp” the week of June 8-12, 2026. The week began with visits to the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg as well as the Shrine of St. Michael the Archangel and the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, both in Tarpon Springs. The adventure continued with bowling and art, then a day of games and mini-golf. On Tuesday, the teens continued the adventure and fun with Bowling and Art. Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocese of Venice Superintendent of Catholic Education, join the group for a visit to the Ringling Museum in Sarasota and then a visit to the beach. The teens were accompanied by the Servant Sisters of the Lord and the Virgin of Matra.

Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible series

Have you ever wanted to read the Bible but didn’t know where to start? St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, is hosting an “Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible” series, 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays, from June 24 to Aug. 12, 2026. Each evening will include short and engaging videos, small group discussions, great conversation and a delicious meal. Free childcare will be provided along with dinner. No prior Bible knowledge needed – just come as you are. For more information, please contact Robert Massey at 239-592-1949 ext. 150, or robert@stagnesnaples.org.

Bradenton food pantry seeks food for children on summer vacation

The St. Joseph Food Pantry, 2704 33rd Ave. W., Bradenton, is seeking food for children on summer vacation through the end of July. Food needed includes but is not limited to: fruit jelly in plastic containers, cereal, granola/breakfast bars, protein bars, raisins, shelf staple milk boxes, mac & cheese, canned vegetables, canned meat, canned tuna, spam, etc. Drop off times at the St. Joseph Food Pantry are from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and bins are also available in the Parish office during regular daily hours. For more information, please call 941-756-3732.

Summer educational series in Naples

St. William Parish, 750 Seagate Drive, Naples, is hosting a Summer Educational Series beginning at 1 p.m., June 24, 2026, in the Church Hall. The theme for June is “What You Should Know About Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias,” presented by Mark Beland, Co-Chair of the Collier County Dementia Care and Cure Initiative and Community Liaison of the Baker Senior Center. Topics to be covered include: gaining a better understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias; increasing awareness of behavioral symptoms; equip others to communicate effectively with people with dementia; discover local resources available to assist those with dementia, their families, and caregivers; and learn about the risk factors regarding dementia and how to manage them. This event is open to all, and free to attend, and no RSVP is required. For more information, please call 239-330-2267.

Retreat Center open house June 27

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is inviting the faithful to join them for a day of prayer, rest, renewal, and fellowship for an Open House, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., June 27, 2026, the Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Come spend time exploring the peaceful grounds, touring the facilities, meeting the team, and learning more about the retreats and programs offered at the Center. Whether you have visited many times or have never been before, the OLPH team would love to welcome you. OLPH is located at 3989 S. Moon Dr., in Venice. Please RSVP by June 20, by calling 941-486-0233.

Independence Day bike and golf cart parade to be held in Ave Maria

The Knights of Columbus Assembly 3862 of Ave Maria Parish in Ave Maria is hosting its 10th annual “God Bless America: Independence Day Bike and Golf Cart Parade for our Nation’s 250th Birthday.” The opening ceremony will take place in the Piazza in front of Ave Maria Parish church at 10 a.m. (following 9 a.m. Mass), with the parade, led by fire trucks, immediately following. All are welcome to attend and encouraged to decorate their bicycles, tricycles, golf carts, skateboards, and strollers. The route is approximately 2 miles long, but a shorter route, around the church, is available for younger riders. Light refreshments, including birthday cake for the Nation, will be available at the conclusion of the parade.

The Year of St. Francis

Bishop Frank J. Dewane has designated St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Grove City to serve as a pilgrimage destination for the Diocese of Venice in the extraordinary Jubilee Year of St. Francis, honoring St. Francis of Assisi on the 800th anniversary of his death. All are encouraged to make a pilgrimage to the Parish during this Jubilee Year for a unique experience of encounter, prayer and renewal. The Church and its Poor Clare Adoration Chapel are open to welcome pilgrims every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and at other times by arrangement. For details, please visit the St. Francis of Assisi Parish website at https://www.sfoachurch.com/jubilee-2025.

Donations needed for Our Mother’s House

Our Mother’s House, a transitional housing program for homeless mom’s with young children operated by Catholic Charities in Venice, is making an appeal for donated cleaning supplies and other items. To learn more about the need, and how to drop off supplies, please call 941-485-6264, or email ckane@ccdov.org, or omh@ccdov.org.

Mental Health Counseling Services

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice is offering Mental Health Counseling, and Tele-Health Counseling, for adults and children provided by licensed mental health therapists. If you or someone you know is feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, helpless, or overwhelmed, Catholic Charities can help. For more information, please call 239-455-2655 or visit Catholic Charities online

Prison Ministry volunteers needed throughout Diocese

Join the team of Diocesan volunteers who enter county jails and state prisons within the 10-county Diocese of Venice for pastoral outreach, to distribute the Eucharist and facilitate programs. Priests, Deacons, and lay volunteers are encouraged to assist in this ministry. Volunteers will first participate in an orientation program before entering the facility and will shadow experienced volunteers until they feel comfortable. Times and days vary by facility. Please contact Joe Mallof at 224-217-7139 or Bob Hiniker 863-558-0407 to learn where you can fit into this joyful opportunity.

Retreat Center seeks volunteers

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice needs your help; they are looking for volunteers. Help provide a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere for those who come to OLPH seeking transformation in Christ. Areas of need include reception, gardening, dishwashing, and serving meals. Contact the office to sign up at 941-486-0233 or visit www.olph-retreat.org/new-volunteer.

Free Rosary Repair Service

Send your broken rosaries in a padded envelope to Betty and Dick Holden, Free Rosary Repair Service, 7930 Estero Blvd., Unit 502, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931. Rosaries will be repaired and returned within the week of receipt. Donations of old rosaries are also accepted, which will be repaired and sent to missions. Include a note indicating repair or donation. For more details, please call 239-463-3993, 860-595-6370 or holdenbnd@gmail.com.

Private retreats available

The fall schedule of private retreats at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is posted and has openings for Desert Days, 3, 5, and 7-night individual (directed) retreats. Group retreats are also available: To learn more or to register for a group or private retreat, please visit our website:  http://www.olph-retreat.org/individual-retreat-overview.

News Briefs for the week of May 29, 2026

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Parish group participates in opening of National Eucharistic Pilgrimage

Pilgrims from St. Michael Parish in Wauchula traveled on May 24, 2026, to St. Augustine to join the beginning of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage for the 250th Anniversary of the United States, and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The pilgrims attended the opening Mass at the location of the First Mass on American soil in 1565. A group later reenacted the story of many priests and laypeople who died for their faith as Martyrs in the 1700s in La Florida. The day ended with a Eucharistic Procession, Jesus truly present in the Blessed Sacrament, through the streets of St. Augustine to the Cathedral. The Eucharistic Pilgrims will travel through all 13 colonies in the next six weeks, concluding in Philadelphia on 4th of July where the Declaration of Independence was signed 250 years ago in 1776.

Women religious from St. John Neumann reunite

The weekend of May 22-25, 2026, Salesian Sisters from across the country gathered in New Jersey to meet with Sister Ruth del Pilar Mora, FMA, a prominent leader and the General Councilor for the Missions of the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians. Among those in attendance were several beloved St. John Neumann Catholic High School Alumni Sisters who faithfully served at St. John Neumann during the past 15 years. It was a joyful moment as they reunited for a special photo, reconnecting with one another and reflecting on the many lives they have touched through their ministry at Neumann. Thank you, Sisters, for your service, faith, and the love you continue to share with the Neumann family!

 Students take part in final Rosary Walk of school year

Seventh graders at St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral took part in the final Rosary Walk of the school year on May 22, 2026. The Rosary Walk is situated next to the Parish church and offers the opportunity for students to pray in a peaceful setting. St. Andrew Catholic School is blessed to continue its mission of Building Faith, Hearts and Minds.

Donations needed for Our Mother’s House

Our Mother’s House, a transitional housing program for homeless mom’s with young children operated by Catholic Charities in Venice, is making an appeal for donated cleaning supplies and other items. To learn more about the need, and how to drop off supplies, please call 941-485-6264, or email ckane@ccdov.org, or omh@ccdov.org.

 Worldwide Marriage Encounter in Tampa June 5-7

Successful marriages don’t work on automatic pilot. Like a garden, these unions require constant attention: fertilizing, watering, and weeding. Join the Worldwide Marriage Encounter and discover God’s plan for joy, romance and passion in your marriage June 5-7, 2026, at the Franciscan Center in Tampa. This is the closest Worldwide Marriage Encounter to the Diocese of Venice in 2026.  Apply today at www.wwme.org or call 813-270-7832.

Rummage Sale in Punta Gorda June 6

The Sacred Heart Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is hosting its next Rummage Sale 8 a.m.-11 a.m., June 6, 2026, at 25200 Airport Road, Punta Gorda. Items available for purchase will include household items, furniture, linens, clothing, shoes, purses, jewelry, books and toys. Proceeds will go toward the Society’s continuing efforts to raise money to assist those in need in the community. For more information, please call 941-575-0767.

Adult Education Workshop in Naples June 10

Community Pregnancy Clinics will offer its monthly Created for Greatness Adult Education Series at 6:30 p.m., June 10, 2026, at the Naples Clinic, 661 Goodlette-Frank Road. The June topic is “Stories of Grace: An Evening of Adoption Testimonies.” Whether you are curious, considering adoption, or simply open-hearted, you are welcome to come hear the powerful true stories of families whose lives have been transformed through the gift of adoption. All are welcome! Please invite your friends and neighbors! RSVP at Created for Greatness – Stories of Grace: An Evening of Adoption Testimonies.

Inter-Parish “Life in the Spirit” seminar in Naples June 13

St. William Parish, 750 Seagate Drive, Naples, is hosting an Inter-Parish “Life in the Spirit” seminar, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., June 13, 2026, in the Blessed Mother Center. The seminar will be facilitated by representatives from St. William, St. Agnes, St. Ann and St. John the Evangelist Parishes. The seminar will include talks, discussion groups, and a prayer service for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit in one’s personal life. There will be music, fellowship and a light lunch is included. RSVP by email and include your name and contact number to Susan Westly at susan@saintwilliam.org. Please include “Life in the Spirit Seminar” in the subject line. For additional details call 239-397-5757.

Theology on Tap June 18 in University Park

Calling all young adults! Join Catholic young people from across the Diocese for an evening of fellowship, faith and fun! Theology on Tap meets on the third Thursday of every month and is an opportunity for young adults in their 20’s and 30’s to explore faith topics in a relaxed social setting. The next gathering of Theology on Tap is 7 – 9 p.m., June 18, 2026, at Oak & Stone, 5405 University Parkway, University Park. The featured speaker is Chris Root, CEO of Catholic Charities, who will be leading a talk called, “Encountering Christ Through Service to Others.” There is no cost to attend, and no registration required. Bring a friend. For more information, contact Andres Prias at 941-441-1122 or prias@dioceseofvenice.org.

Catholic Classical education Conference June 19-21 in Fort Myers

The 3rd annual AMICE Conference hosted by Donahue Academy of Ave Maria will take place June 19-21, 2026, at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers. The conference offers an excellent opportunity for teachers, staff, administrators and parents to learn more about classical education. This year’s theme “The Great Conversation: The contributions of the Great Books in a Catholic Classical Education,” will be presented by outstanding educators who have years of experience in the Classical Educational model. Keynote speakers: Dr. Andrew Zwerneman, Dr. Dan Guernsey and Dr. Denise Donohue, will start the discussion followed by 12 additional breakout speakers who will add their insights to the three-day event. The AMICE conference aims to bring together all who are exploring or deepening their knowledge of Catholic classical education, particularly in the Diocese of Venice, to offer a bold response to the Church’s call for the renewal of Catholic education in the modern world. Please sign up in advance by going to the conference at https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Form/bc65a052-b716-4a2d-a526-53ee20dae8a4, The cost is $129 per person, which includes meals. There is a group rate of $89 per person if your school or organization registers at least five participants. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Donahue Academy’s Advancement Director Wil Hampton at wil.hampton@donahueacademy.org, or Assistant Director Jana Patterson at jana.patterson@donahueacademy.org.

Day of Reflection Marriage Retreat June 20

A Day of Reflection Marriage Retreat is scheduled for June 20, 2026, at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples. The retreat offers a specially prepared volunteer team who will share their experiences and information, enabling couples to be more aware of the privileges and responsibilities of marriage. Register at https://dioceseofvenice.regfox.com/2026-day-of-reflection-mp-retreat. Please contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-486-4754.

Retreat Center open house June 27

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is inviting the faithful to join them for a day of prayer, rest, renewal, and fellowship for an Open House, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., June 27, 2026, the Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Come spend time exploring the peaceful grounds, touring the facilities, meeting the team, and learning more about the retreats and programs offered at the Center. Whether you have visited many times or have never been before, the OLPH team would love to welcome you. OLPH is located at 3989 S. Moon Dr., in Venice. Please RSVP by June 20, 2026, by calling 941-486-0233.

The Year of St. Francis

Bishop Frank J. Dewane has designated St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Grove City to serve as a pilgrimage destination for the Diocese of Venice in the extraordinary Jubilee Year of St. Francis, honoring St. Francis of Assisi on the 800th anniversary of his death. All are encouraged to make a pilgrimage to the Parish during this Jubilee Year for a unique experience of encounter, prayer and renewal. The Church and its Poor Clare Adoration Chapel are open to welcome pilgrims every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and at other times by arrangement. For details, please visit the St. Francis of Assisi Parish website at https://www.sfoachurch.com/jubilee-2025.

BEWARE OF TEXT AND EMAIL SCAMS

It has been brought to the attention of the Diocese that parishioners have received text/email messages from people pretending to be clergy – including Bishop Frank J. Dewane – or Parish/school staff, requesting donations in the form of gift cards and/or wire transfers. These messages often come from text/emails that look similar to official Diocesan/Parish/school numbers or accounts and often greet the recipient by name and have the priest’s, Bishop’s, or staff member’s name in the “From” line and/or closing signature of the message. The fake message often claims that the priest/Bishop/staff member is in need of gift cards or money to aid a sick child, relative, or parishioner. THIS IS A SCAM!  It is Diocesan policy that neither the Bishop, nor priests or staff request donations in the form of gift cards, PayPal, MoneyGram, etc.  There is an established process in place on how parishioners can make donations and participate in the life of the Diocese, Parish, or school. If you receive such a text or email, please immediately contact the Diocesan/Parish/school directly!

Mental Health Counseling Services

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice is offering Mental Health Counseling, and Tele-Health Counseling, for adults and children provided by licensed mental health therapists. If you or someone you know is feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, helpless, or overwhelmed, Catholic Charities can help. For more information, please call 239-455-2655 or visit Catholic Charities online

Prison Ministry volunteers needed throughout Diocese

Join the team of Diocesan volunteers who enter county jails and state prisons within the 10-county Diocese of Venice for pastoral outreach, to distribute the Eucharist and facilitate programs. Priests, Deacons, and lay volunteers are encouraged to assist in this ministry. Volunteers will first participate in an orientation program before entering the facility and will shadow experienced volunteers until they feel comfortable. Times and days vary by facility. Please contact Joe Mallof at 224-217-7139 or Bob Hiniker 863-558-0407 to learn where you can fit into this joyful opportunity.

Retreat Center seeks volunteers

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice needs your help; they are looking for volunteers. Help provide a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere for those who come to OLPH seeking transformation in Christ. Areas of need include reception, gardening, dishwashing, and serving meals. Contact the office to sign up at 941-486-0233 or visit www.olph-retreat.org/new-volunteer.

Free Rosary Repair Service

Send your broken rosaries in a padded envelope to Betty and Dick Holden, Free Rosary Repair Service, 7930 Estero Blvd., Unit 502, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931. Rosaries will be repaired and returned within the week of receipt. Donations of old rosaries are also accepted, which will be repaired and sent to missions. Include a note indicating repair or donation. For more details, please call 239-463-3993, 860-595-6370 or holdenbnd@gmail.com.

Private retreats available

The fall schedule of private retreats at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice is posted and has openings for Desert Days, 3, 5, and 7-night individual (directed) retreats. Group retreats are also available: To learn more or to register for a group or private retreat, please visit our website:  http://www.olph-retreat.org/individual-retreat-overview.

Hunger is focus of Pope’s May prayer intention – Diocese is on the frontline to feed those in need

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Catholic Social Teaching tells us that food is a fundamental human right, not a commodity, emphasizing that every person requires access to adequate nutrition to live with dignity.

Pope Leo XIV, with his May 2026 prayer intention as a platform, prays “That everyone might have food. Let us pray that everyone from large producers to small consumers, be committed to avoid wasting food, and to ensure that everyone has access to quality food.”

Pope Leo demands a moral response to hunger to ensure that everyone has access to quality food while also avoiding waste, calling on the faithful to confront the problem of food insecurity with both prayer and concrete action.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane said that since all human life is sacred, access to food is a basic right necessary to life. “Hunger is not someone else’s problem; it is a shared moral responsibility for all to act.”

Within the Diocese of Venice there are more than a dozen food pantries of varying sizes which combine to help hundreds of families each day and tens of thousands each month.

Among the 15 largest food pantries in the Diocese, including those run by Catholic Charities, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and individual Parishes, tens of thousands of people are spared from going hungry each month.

Food pantries were initially established at Parishes and in communities to help families in a crisis. However, because of rapidly rising costs of not just food, but also gasoline, medicines, and other necessities, combined with season layoffs and a tight local job market, pantry staff and volunteers are now seeing people entering their doors who have previously never needed food before.

To maximize donations, nearly all of the larger food pantries in the Diocese have transitioned from the drive-thru model, which created tremendous waste, to a “Choice Pantry.”

A “Choice Pantry” is when someone comes to a pantry needing food and they have a “mini shopping experience” (similar to shopping at a chosen retail grocery store) where they choose the foods their family will eat.  Volunteers explain the “points system” – how everything on the shelves has a point value and where each household is assigned points for shopping based on the number of people needing food. There is no cash, only points, for food.  Remarkably, most families don’t use all their points as they select only the food their family will eat, meaning food waste is virtually nonexistent.

“The need is growing, and we are doing everything we can to keep up because no one should have to wonder where their next meal will come from,” said Jenny Muñoz, Catholic Charities Desoto County Regional Director. The DeSoto County office in Arcadia hosts a “Choice Pantry” which serves about 2,600 individuals and families each month, up from only 800 a month just six months ago.

Muñoz said the massive increase in demand can be attributed to multiple factors, such as the conversion from a drive-thru to a Choice Pantry distribution, and an expansion of operating hours, including two evenings each week.

“It is really about meeting the needs of the community,” Muñoz said. “Parents, grandparents and neighbors come through our food pantry and shop with dignity for only the items they need and leave with full carts and full hearts. But behind every cart is a growing need. With the generosity of our many benefactors helping to keep our shelves stocked and our doors open, we are providing hope for every family who walks through.”

In the most recent fiscal year, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice Inc. provided food to 95,588 at six locations and is projected to reach 119,500 by the end of the current fiscal year. This is in addition to disaster relief operations after Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton in 2024, which distributed food to 8,100 families in a two week period. Following Hurricane Ian in 2022 Catholic Charities distributed 2,504 tons of supplies, and provided food to 115,747 people, plus an additional 22,492 hot meals, in the first month after the storm. In addition to those impressive numbers, Catholic Charities also provides after school food for 75 children each week, a number that jumps to 150 each week for children participating in summer camps.

Sadly, most of the increase in demand at Catholic Charities and other pantries is from fixed-income senior citizens, said Catholic Charities CEO Christopher M. Root. “The seniors must make hard choices when it comes to expenses. Catholic Charities is there to provide the food they need to survive.”

Dan Freidrich, Director of the St. Joseph Food Pantry in Bradenton, noted that 31 percent of the population of Manatee County does not earn enough to sustain their standard of living. “People must make choices everyday between paying for childcare, paying for medicines, rent or groceries. At St. Joseph Food Pantry we believe nobody should go hungry.”

On a smaller scale, the more than 200 families every month who receive food at the St. Michael Parish Choice Pantry in Wauchula rely on donations from regional food banks, as well as other Parishes and individual benefactors, said Pantry Director Sister Maria de Talpa, a Servant Sister of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara.

“We have Knights of Columbus who bring trailers of food, and we have good relationships with other providers,” Sister Maria said.  “Sometimes I worry if we will have enough to meet the demand, but it all comes down to Divine Providence.”

One of the newest food pantries in the region is the Twelve Baskets Food Pantry at St. Thomas More Parish in Sarasota. Open every Wednesday, the pantry was opened in 2025 to meet a demand in the community to help people with food insecurity.

Another new food pantry is Table of Plenty at St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Cape Coral. The pantry operates out of the Parish Hall and had only four visitors when it debuted in 2022. Kathy Anderson, who helped found the food pantry, said the pantry “now serves 40 to 60 families on the third Friday of each month. We distributed more than 30,000 pounds of food in 2025.”

The St. Vincent de Paul Sacred Heart Conference in Punta Gorda has Choice Pantry hours three days a week and provides five days of food to 17,437 individuals each year.

Tony Rivera, Vice President of the Sacred Heart Conference said the switch to a Choice Pantry made a huge difference in lowering the waste and helped streamline the food distribution process. “We help our friends and neighbors in a dignified way,” Rivera said. “It is not easy for someone to come asking for food. We understand that.”

The food pantries in the Diocese of Venice receive food from donations, Parish food drives and regional food banks, such as Midwest Food Bank of Florida based in Fort Myers, All Faiths Food Bank in Sarasota, Harry Chapin Food Bank in Fort Myers and Naples, and Feeding Tampa Bay.

If you need food, or would like to support a food pantry in your area, please contact individual food pantries, or Parishes to learn of an affiliated food pantry, as well as to learn details on future food collections or how to volunteer.

Helping Catholic Charities food pantries

You can support each food pantry by donating food directly to each location, or by specifying your financial donation by visiting https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate.

Food Pantries within the Diocese of Venice

  • Arcadia – DeSoto County Catholic Charities – 863-494-1068 – 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Monday and Wednesday, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, and 9 a.m. – 11a.m. Friday,
  • Bokeelia – Pine Island Food Pantry – Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish – 760-529-7238 – 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., Monday and Thursday,
  • Bonita Springs – Juan Diego Outreach Center, Catholic Charities – 239-390-2928 – 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Fridays,
  • Bradenton – St. Joseph Food Pantry – 941-756-3732 – 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Monday – Friday. For details visit https://www.stjoepantry.com/,
  • Cape Coral – St. Katharine Drexel Food Pantry – 239-283-9501 – 9 a.m. – noon, third Friday of each month,
  • Clewiston – St. Margaret Parish, Catholic Charities – 239-334-4007, ext. 2103 – 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Friday,
  • Fort Myers – Elizabeth K. Galeana Food Pantry, Catholic Charities – 239-334-4007, ext. 2103 – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Thursdays,
  • Fort Myers – Jesus the Worker Food Pantry – 239-693-5333 – 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Tuesday and Saturday,
  • Grove City – St. Francis of Assisi Food Pantry – 941-697-4899 – 9:15 a.m. -11:15 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday,
  • Immokalee – Guadalupe Social Services of Catholic Charities 239-657-6242, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Monday – Friday,
  • Naples – Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center, of Catholic Charities – 239-793-0059 – 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Wednesday and Thursday,
  • Naples – St. Vincent de Paul Family Assistance Center – 239-775-2907: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday. For details visit https://www.svdpnaples.org/,
  • Punta Gorda – St. Vincent de Paul, Sacred Heart Conference – 25200 Airport Road – 941-575-0767: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday. For details, visit https://www.svdppg.org/,
  • Sarasota – St. Jude Food Pantry – 941-955-3934 – 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Wednesday,
  • Sarasota – St. Thomas More Food Pantry – 941-923-1691 – 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., Wednesday,
  • Wauchula – St. Michael Food Pantry – 863-773-4089 – 7 a.m. – 8:45 a.m., Saturday.

New men’s choir blessed by Bishop

Posted on by Bob Reddy

“Dei Verbum,” the newly formed Men’s Choir at Jesus the Worker Parish in Fort Myers, was blessed by Bishop Frank J. Dewane after making their debut during a Mass for the Sacrament of Confirmation on May 2, 2026.

Before blessing the choir and accompanying musicians, Bishop Dewane praised their skill and expressed his certainty that their music will inspire all who hear them. During the blessing, Bishop Dewane called upon God to instill courage upon the men who have answered a specific call of the Lord in their lives.

Father Benjamin Casimir, Administrator of Jesus the Worker Parish, encouraged the formation of the choir, modeling them after the Haitian Men’s Choir at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples, where Father served prior to his assignment at Jesus the Worker.

It was on Jan. 6 when Father Casimir presented the idea of the men’s choir to the Parish, and quickly enthusiastic singers and musicians offered their talents to the endeavor. Since then, they have been rehearsing for their debut for Bishop Dewane. The name of the choir, “Dei Verbum,” is Latin for “Word of God,” something Father Casmir said best reflects their purpose in “serving the people of God by singing to the Lord.”

Dressed in black suits, with a white dress shirt, red tie and a red rose on their lapels, the coordination of color added to their presence. After the choir was blessed by Bishop Dewane, the members were enthusiastically applauded. Following the conclusion of the Mass, Father Casimir joined the choir while the newly confirmed had family photos taken.

The principal leader of the choir is Jose Osmin Garcia, and during the Confirmation Mass, the director was Maynor Alexander Ramirez Torez.

“Thank you everyone for your unconditional support and constant prayer,” Father Casimir said to the Parish faithful.

2026 Boots & Bandanas celebrate work of Catholic Charities

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Cowboy hats and boots, as well as colorful bandanas were on display during the annual western-inspired Boots & Bandanas event took place on April 24, 2026, at the St. Paul Parish Hall.

Boots & Bandanas was held to support the good works of Catholic Charities in DeSoto County which reach young and old alike with services that range from food, financial support, youth programs, counseling and housing.

The evening put a spotlight on what Catholic Charities does each day to support food security and education programs serving families across DeSoto County.

Christopher M. Root, CEO of Catholic Charities, spoke about the incredible team of staff and volunteers who step up each day to support the community.

“There are beautiful things being done here in Arcadia,” Root said. “We assist people and try to help everyone with every need, but first we strive to give everyone who comes to us dignity. We want them to know and understand who they are, made in image and likeness of God. They are important to us… When they no longer need our assistance, we are giving them the one thing they will carry with them forever, the love we share with them, the love of Christ that we give them that they can take to eternal life and that is endlessly shared with everyone with whom they come in contact.”

The event included dinner, dancing, a silent auction and a gift from the heart. Proceeds will stay in DeSoto County. Father Luis Pacheco, Pastor of St. Paul Parish, offered the blessing before the meal.

Catholic Charities in DeSoto works out of several locations in Arcadia. The main is near St. Paul Parish. Through this office, financial assistance is offered to individuals and families facing hardships, with counselors working diligently to alleviate this burden by offering financial aid for rental/mortgage payments, transportation costs, utility bills, and medications as funds are available.

The food pantry, located in the former Parish Hall of St. Paul Parish, has expanded its operations going to 5-days-a-week, exponentially reaching more people, from about 800 a month, to 2,600. The walk-in food pantry offers a dignified process to allow individuals and families facing food insecurity to choose the items they need, including fresh produce, pantry staples and essential household essentials, while avoiding unnecessary waste. Due to the rising cost of food and other items, the food pantry continues to see an increase in demand. Financial and food donations are always welcome.

Catholic Charities also operates Casa San Juan Bosco housing, which includes dozens of single-family homes for low-income families in the farming industry. Adjacent to that is St. John Paul II Villas, a housing for low-income seniors. Both programs have associated support programs to ensure the residents have the support they need including offering life skills courses for adults. In addition, Casa San Juan Bosco hosts an educational enrichment program with an after-school and summer programs for children.

If you are interested helping Catholic Charities in DeSoto County, please call 863-494-1068. If you would like to make a financial donation, please visit https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate.

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